How to Heal Torn Wrist Cartilage
A tear in the cartilage of the wrist is a common occurrence, especially if you are physically active, engage in repetitive motions involving the wrist or participate in athletics. While painful, a tear of the wrist cartilage can be healed through rest and proper care.
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Things You'll Need
- Ice
- Towel
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Wrist brace
- Compression band (optional)
- Compression band
Instructions
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Treatment
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Rest the wrist. Resting the injured wrist is imperative if you want the injury to heal quickly and correctly. Avoid athletic activities and actions that could re-aggravate the injury.
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2
Ice the injury. Apply ice wrapped in a towel or other piece of cloth to the injury for 15 to 20 minutes at least three times per day. Icing the affected area will help reduce swelling and allow for proper blood circulation.
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3
Take an anti-inflammatory drug. Regularly taking an NSAID such as ibuprofen or naproxen will reduce pain and swelling to manageable levels, preventing inflammation around the tear and ensuring proper blood flow.
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4
Wear a wrist brace. A brace specifically intended to hold the wrist in place will ensure that the injury is not worsened through re-aggravation. It also holds the wrist in the proper position so that it can heal correctly. An elastic compression bandage can also be wrapped around the wrist and serve the same purpose. Make sure that the bandage is tight enough to hold the wrist firmly in place, but not so tight as to restrict blood flow.
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Perform wrist-strengthening exercises. Your doctor can suggest exercises that will strengthen the wrist and help regain its full range of motion. Stretch the wrist slowly to avoid pain during the exercises.
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Tips & Warnings
Visit your doctor to diagnose the severity of the injury and the proper action for your particular case. This information should not be substituted for professional advice.
